KINGSTONE High School is celebrating after its latest Ofsted Report paid tribute to consistent progress made in raising standards and improving the quality of education.

Inspectors recognised four areas of particular strength, including well above average results in national tests for 14 year-olds and 'consistently good teaching'.

The findings were roundly supported by the views of parents who identified the recent rise in standards, the high expectations the school had of pupils and good quality teaching as particular strengths.

Headmaster Jon Goodchild, praised all connected with the school for their hard work and the support they had given him since his arrival in 1997. Mr Goodchild said he was extremely pleased the inspection had recognised the high standards the school strove to achieve and the quality of work.

Mr Goodchild said: "I am delighted to read so many positive statements about the present strengths of the school and the firm foundations that are in place to ensure a continuing rise in standards."

The report indicated several areas which needed development: weaknesses in PE, ICT and technology curricula, the teaching of RE, assessment procedures in some subjects and too much variation in teaching of literacy and numeracy.

Mr Goodchild added: "Due to our own monitoring and evaluating procedures the report did not contain any major surprises instead it confirms the areas with which we are confident and has helped us define areas we need to improve. Indeed, we have already begun to address these with our usual vigour and determination.

"Given the strengths of the report, the trend of rising public examination results and increase in parents seeking a place for their children it is not surprising Kingstone High was recently identified by the DfEE as one of the country's top 100 most improved schools."